“A 2009 study out of Ohio State found that people spend 36% more time reading an essay if it aligns with their opinions. In the 2016 US Presidential election, a majority of those who voted for either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton did not have a single friend who was voting for their non-preferred candidate.

. . . In general, we flock to those with whom we share a cultural, religious, political or ideological identity. In doing so, we surround ourselves with a chorus of yes people who reinforce the validity of our opinions. Given the emotional wrangling involved with confronting conflicting ideas, immersing ourselves in an ideologically homogeneous pool is infinitely easer than alternative. If everyone with whom we associate looks, acts and thinks like we do, we are able to ‘successfully’ skirt a number of tough internal struggles.”

Daniel Crosby on confirmation bias in The Behavioral Investor.